Essays

SIMMONE EDWIN, Trinidadian -
CHTAEF & Johnson & Wales University Scholar 2009
Upon hearing from a friend about the CHTAEF, I was relieved to hear that my educational needs were of importance to someone other than myself. I was impressed to find out what the Foundation stood for, and basically added value to Caribbean students and their education. I applied to the Foundation so that I would be able to finance my final year of school, and was actually able to participate in Johnson and Wales’ Study Abroad Program to Belgium this past summer, all through the assistance of the CHTAEF and Johnson and Wales matching funds.

Solely because of the CHTAEF, I was able to go to Belgium and interact with so many different cultures. As part of the program, I had to do two academic courses over the course of one month, which focused on International Hotel Operations. I was able to not only meet students from the other Johnson and Wales Campuses, but also numerous people from all around the world. This has greatly added to my understanding of other cultures and also has been a life learning experience that I can use in my future in the Hospitality and Food and Beverage Industry. Attending Johnson and Wales has been the best decision of my life, as the faculty, staff, and everyday learning lessons contribute to my growth as a person and as a professional in the industry.

I have been taking a wide range of courses that is making me well rounded in the hospitality industry. The classes I have done, and that I am doing such as Accounting, Marketing, Food and Beverage Cost Control, Strategic Management, and Food Writing to name a few, are allowing me to not be stagnant in one job in the industry. These courses are helping me to look at hospitality as a whole, and be able to work in any segment if I chose to. Unlike other schools that focus on one area of an industry, with the knowledge I gained at Johnson and Wales University, I am able to work basically as a Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, Marketing Department, HR Department etc.

When I return to Trinidad and Tobago next year after my studies have been completed, I plan on working at either Carlton Savannah Hotel, or The Hyatt Regency Hotel to gain further skills, and training as hospitality professional. With the opportunities that the CHTAEF has afforded to me, I will also be working towards opening my own restaurant in Trinidad, based on my experiences abroad. I am very grateful for everything that has been done for me and will always hold this Foundation in the highest esteem. I wish continued success to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation and encourage them to keep up the good job in providing a future for Caribbean Students who need to have their skills enhanced.


Written by
Simmone Edwin


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